Abstract

Introduction: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute multi-systemic vasculitis which represents the leading etiology of acquired heart disease in children in high-income countries. Its rarity in black Africans may lead to misdiagnosis, delayed management with resultant fatal coronary artery lesions. We discuss a case of KD diagnosed in an infant in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Case presentation: A 10-month-old male Cameroonian presented with irritability, a generalised cutaneous eruption, and a prolonged high-grade fever. Although initial diagnosis of meningitis was made, the emerging laboratory and typical clinical features suggestive of KD prompted a quick diagnostic review. His clinical condition improved on Aspirin and corticosteroids. Conclusion: Due to the risk of potential complications from KD and the management challenges akin to resource-limited settings, we highlight the need for a high index of suspicion by healthcare providers when faced with febrile children with mucocutaneous lesions.

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